Pataki's Troubles

Lost in the avalanche of the 9/11 anniversary was some bad news for New York Governor George Pataki (R). Billionaire Tom Galisano won the Independence Party primary nomination on 9/10 in an exceptionally close vote. Pataki sought and received a recount. The recount apparently won't change the outcome. Which means Galisano can continue to hammer Pataki for another seven weeks. Galisano is expected to spend about $5 million per week on television and direct mail advertising.

In the 1998 general election, Galisano garnered over 350,000 votes, most of them from upstate. If he repeats this performance, New York State Controller Carl McCall (D) has a reasonable chance of being the next governor of New York.